Bridgman CGA Secures $40,000 MEDC Grant to Propel Redevelopment Efforts in Bridgman

The Greater Bridgman Area Chamber and Growth Alliance (Bridgman CGA), an affiliate of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber (SMRC), has played a pivotal role in helping the City of Bridgman secure a $40,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

Bridgman City Manager Juan Ganum said the grant will support a vital update to the City’s

Master Plan and improve local development processes—important steps in Bridgman’s pursuit of Redevelopment Ready Community (RRC) certification through the MEDC. He also credited the Bridgman CGA for their assistance, highlighting the technical assistance they provide to help municipalities navigate state programs and secure additional financial resources.

“We’re making strong progress toward RRC certification thanks to the leadership of the

Bridgman CGA and support from the MEDC,” said Ganum. “These partnerships continue to deliver meaningful resources that strengthen our planning framework, modernize our

development processes, and support long-term, intentional growth for the community.”

Nancy Kiernan, Director of the Bridgman CGA, said the award reflects the strength of local partnerships and a shared commitment to community advancement.

“This grant is a direct outcome of the collaborative approach we’ve embraced—bringing

together local leaders, aligning priorities, and working closely with the MEDC to turn shared goals into tangible results,” said Kiernan. “We’re proud to be part of a team that’s committed to Bridgman’s future and grateful for the MEDC’s continued investment in our community.”

Kiernan emphasized the value of MEDC’s role beyond funding, noting their responsiveness and ability to connect communities with expert guidance and resources. “Their continued assistance really helps position Bridgman for long-term resilience and growth,” she added.

The Bridgman CGA is one of several regionally based Chamber Growth Alliances developed by the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber to support local governments in delivering tailored economic and community development services. The model allows participating municipalities to pool resources and tap into shared expertise, grant writing support, and administrative capacity—ensuring that even small communities can compete for transformational investment.

For more information about the Bridgman CGA or the Chamber’s regional growth initiatives, visit smrchamber.com.